The Mayfield Board of Education held a special Board Meeting on March 12th with neighboring school district leaders to discuss school funding losses with State Treasurer Josh Mandell.
Under the proposed State budget plan, Mayfield City Schools could lose 42 percent of its State aid or the equivalent of $4 million over 2 years.
Governor John Kasich announced his proposed State budget in February, including proposed decreased education funding for many districts, including Mayfield, Beachwood and Solon.
Treasurer Mandell stated during the meeting that he disagrees with the Governor's budget to cut educational funding.
District leaders from Beachwood and Solon schools also were present at the meeting.
The meeting with State Treasurer Mandell was one of many meetings Superintendent Keith Kelly and Mayfield Treasurer Scott Snyder have initiated to voice the district's concern over the proposed loss of state funding for Mayfield City Schools.
Dr. Kelly recently met with State Senator Tom Patton to discuss budget and testing concerns. Superintendent Kelly and Mr.Snyder have meetings scheduled within the next two months to continue budget and testing discussions with State Senator Kenny Yuko and State Representatives Marlene Anielski and John Barnes, all of whom represent in Columbus the communities of Mayfield City Schools.
The final State budget will be released in June.
According to Mayfield Treasurer Scott Snyder:
• Under the proposed State budget plan, Mayfield City Schools could lose 42 percent of its State resources or the equivalent of $4 million over 2 years
• Mayfield continues to institute deliberate and strategic financial management practices. In fiscal year 2014-15, the district reduced its operating budget by $600,000 through personnel and operational efficiencies. During 2012-2014, pay freezes and health care cost containment measures were put in place
• Mayfield has had an average expenditure growth change of less than 1.28 percent over the last 6 completed fiscal years
• Mayfield City Schools anticipate stretching its levy cycle from three-to-four years. A proposed levy issue for the schools is slated to be on the ballot in 2016
"It’s unfortunate the State elected to apply a more aggressive stance for funding, or rather defunding our public education system," Superintendent Keith Kelly said.